Part I-Luxury Asset Auction: Featuring Property from the Estate of C. K. McClatchy, Sacramento, CA (Live Internet Auction)

The Illustrated California News, Published semi-monthly, at the Office of the Alta California, Washington St., Portsmouth Square. [San Francisco]. Each issue, eight pages. 15.75" x 11". Issues: Vol 1, No 1, September 1, 1850, 8 pp., 5 illustrations; Vol. 1, No. 2, September 15, 1850; Vol. 1, No. 3, October 15, 1850; Vol. 1, No. 4, November 1, 1850, and Vol. 1, No. 5, November 15, 1850. Its opening line states: "California is now the cynosure of every eye." The editors planned to devote its columns to California events and developments rather than reprinting news from the national and European presses. Importantly, it saw a need to preserve California history by recording current events and presenting descriptions of its geography. Dr. Robert D. Semple, for example, gave a fascinating recollection of the origin of the "Bear Flag" and the Bear Flag revolt at Sonoma on June 10, 1846. The paper did reprint news from other California newspapers with headlines like, "will the mines Continue Productive?"; squatter riots in Sacramento, ship wrecks, steamship explosions, "Fun in Sacramento' and the advantages of the port city of Vallejo as the logical location of the state capital. Embellished with large black and white engravings, the Illustrated News supplemented the more famous Alta California which was not illustrated. The masthead of each of these issues carried an engraving the San Francisco Embarcadero. Curiously none of the issues listed the names of the editors or the skilled engraver employed by the paper. In contrast, the Daily Alta California in its masthead stated that it was published by Edward Gilbert & Co. with Edward C. Kemble, J.E. Durivage and E.Conner. Page 8 of the inaugural number of the Illustrated California News features a 9.25 x 12.25 in view of "The Golden Gates". The Illustrated News was located in the "office of the Alta California". The September 2, 1850 issue of the Alta California announced the publication of its companion title. However, it offered the following apology: "The present number of the News has been prepared as a specimen sheet, it lacks that degree of finish in its mechanical execution…" and the engravings were printed on a speedy steam press and not a more appropriate hand press. Moreover it came with very few advertisements. Processing and shipping within the continental U.S. $55.00 plus 1.5% replacement cost insurance. Witherell's strives to provide as much information and photographs as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Condition statements are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Witherell's. All lots are sold "AS IS" under terms and conditions. Please be advised we do not provide porters nor packing materials for pick ups.